SARONIC ISLANDS - YDRA

Reaching the port, Hydra island looks glamorous like an art-paint, with grey, white and blue colours above the blue of the sea, an exemplar of architectonics and aesthetics. The town of Hydra island, which is the centre of the whole island, is built amphitheatrically around the port, combining nature and architecture. From your very first visit, a magic feeling surrounds you. Perhaps it's in the unique architecture and graphic scenes throughout the Island, or perhaps it's in its long history and rich heritage, or even - a fusion of all. A stroll through the town's picturesque cobble stone streets, will convince you of its uniqueness. The visitor, coming for the first time, is impressed from the view of the tall buildings and Manors, which exist in the port. Right and left from the entrance of the port, there are the Parapets with the Canons, which protected the town. Today, the port of Hydra is filled with little and big yachts, boats and cruisers. You can walk to the port, the heart of the town, take a stroll at the tourist shops, admire the old Manors and visit the Museum of Hydra island. Also you can stroll the picturesque narrow cobble stone alleys and reach the old Settlement of the town, to themedieval fortress town of Kiafa and from there to enjoy the view toward the Peloponnese. Main characteristic of Hydra is that there are no wheeled vehicles and the transportation of people is being made only by donkeys, a thing that makes the Island even more pictursque. For swimming in the town, there are offered the rocks of Spilia, Hydroneta, and a short distance from there, Avlaki, Kamini and cosmopolitan Mandraki. The connection of the town with the other beautiful beaches, Vlycho, Saint Nicholas, Bisti ... is being done only from the sea with boats or sea taxis. Today the residents of Hydra do not exceed 3,000 and nearly everyone involved with tourism.In Hydra is located the Cathedral of Hydra - Spetses - Poros -Aigina. The Cathedral of Hydra accommodates the Town Hall and the Ecclesiastic museum. Hydra is famous for the calm life is offers to the visitors in the day, but also for the intense, cosmopolitan night life.So the island each year receives a large number of Greek and foreign visitors.

TRADITIONAL EVENTS & FOLKS IN HYDRA

MIAOULIA. Miaoulia are the largest events of the island, dedicated to the Admiral Andrea Miaouli, held each year at the last week of June, closest to the 21rst of June, to mark the 177 years after the death of Admiral Andreas Miaoulis. The celebration lasts one week. The event includes, in the day before the last, celebrations, the welcomming of the representative of the Navy and the officials at City Hall by the Mayor and the City Council. The last day, there is a Holy Mass at the Cathedral and a transfer from the Archive - Museum of the vessel with the heart of Admiral Andreas Miaoulis. Then a memorial service at the statue of Admiral Andreas Miaoulis. In "Miaouleia" unless part of the ritual, including exhibitions, lectures, musical events, theatrical performances, games, folk dances, torch, boating and sports games. Followed by a crowd, honoring thus this feast of remembrance events and people that played a major role in the outcome of the revolution of 1821. The festivities culminate and solemnly closed with the burning of fireworks, and the enactment of the Battle of Geronta and the burning of Touk flagship, the third and final day of events.

KOUNTOURIOTIA. KOUNTOURIOTEIA are celebrations, organized by the Municipality of Hydra, commemorating the 76 years since the death of the First President of the Greek Republic, Hydra Admiral Paul Kountourioti. During the festivities, arount at the end of August, there are a lot of tourists and locals who attend, also invited officials, representatives of political and military authorities as well as representatives of literature and art. The Kountourioteia include a lavish six-day celebration program, which is filled with tours of the island's museums, exhibitions, screenings, lectures, book presentations and sporting events.On the last day of the events there is a memorial service and wreath laying at the statue and the Tomb of the Admiral and the first President of the Greek Republic, Paul Kountourioti.New Years Eve. At New Year's Eve the doors of the houses stay opened for the welcoming of the visitors. The house owner hangs a ribbon to the quest's neck and invites him for supper.

The Resurrection and Easter in Hydra. The Resurrection is being done in an atmosphere full of faith by the candlelights, in all churches of the island, and ends with the traditional roasting spit. All parishes of Hydra had the custom of burning Judas, from old times, at the eve of Easter Sunday. The competition between parishes was great and indeed, during thr Holy Week, churches gouged tray to cover the expenses for the custom. The preparation for the construction of Judah began long before the start of the Holy Week. They made the large doll as a real man, with the correct size and dress him up with Jewish clothes. Inside the doll put straws. The doll's left hand made straight and into a fist, except from a finger from where they hung a purse with the 30 silver coins of the betrayal.Carnival. Very famous in Hydra is the annual Carnival where tourists and local people can take part and enjoy. The festival is going around all the paths of the main city of Hydra and it ends at the port with fireworks, as entertainment continues all the night. The start of the Carnival in Hydra signaled in past years, the day of commemoration of St. Anthony the Great in the 17th of January. On this day, in all the neighborhoods of Hydra, the carnival people began to beat drums and drums, announcing the joyful message of Halloween. Today, the carnival are gathered in the square of Admiral Votsi and then climb the stairs of the road Anthony Lygnou. After the Mansion of Sahtouris, they turn right and arrive at Hillary's pit, where they make their first stop. There, they dance with island songs and with the accompaniment of treats. Then, via the route Anthony Kriezis leading Kamini and bypassing the route at the height of the Church of the Virgin, directed toward pit Tzathas or Bampori. Moving to position Petalidiza, near the Church of St. Barbara, turning west and heading for the port of Kamini. Passing the river end of Kaminion, they end at the Lakka of Kokoris, and make the second stop with treats and dances. After the second stop, the carnival is directed towards the Church of the Ascension and follow the road up the tower leading to Lakka Gavrili for the third and final stop of the procession of the carnival. Then the carnival from the pit Gavrili descends to the street of Anthony Lignou to reach again the square of Admiral Votsi and from there the carnival parade, with drums and Drums, goes to beach of Hydra, where the dance and songs are. In the end, the carnival, after the beach of Hydra, passes the route of George Sachtouri and ends at the tavern "Xeri Elia" where it hangs. Followed by dancing and feasting on traditional food and good wine.

ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUMS & SITES TO VISIT IN YDRA

MUSEUMSMuseum of History and ArchivesThe Museum of History and Archives of Hydra, operates daily. There are:A. File Department, B. Museum department and C. Library. At the ground floor are displayed exhibits from the Balcan and first and second World Wars.In the floor it runs a picture-gallery and are displayed heirlooms and souvenirs from the Greek Revolution. In the Museum, it is also housed the public Library of Hydra with old and valuable books, codes and archives from 18th and 19th century. moreEcclesiastic and Byzantine MuseumThe Museum is housed to the Church of Dormition, where the old prison used to be. It is a small Ecclesiastic and Byzantine Museum, in which are displayed canonicals, relics, oblations and icons from the 18th century. Among its beautiful exhibits one can admire the icon from 1774 of

Virgin Mary "Unwithered Rose". moreManor of Lazaros Kountouriotis - Outlier of the National Historic MuseumInside the Manor of Lazaros Kountouriotis are displayed family heirlooms, personal belongings, paintings and exhibits from the folkoric and historical collections, which belong to the National Museum of History. In the ground floor, the visitor can see various painting from the artists Periklis and Konstantinos Byzantios. In the floor there are exhibits of old furniture, mirrors, portraits and family heirlooms of thefamily Kountouriotis. moreManor of George Kountouriotis-After-Byzantine Art MuseumThe Manor of George Kountouriotis is located to the west side of the harbour, to the bank of the hill, between the pine trees. In 1991 the three stories tall Manor was bought from the Ministry of Culture and then it operated as a Museum. Inside there are exhibits of family heirlooms and exhibits from the newest history of Hydra. SightseeingsThe beautiful roads and alleys, paved with slabs and the houses, adorned with flowers, give to the island of Hydra a touch of magic and a romantic mood. Its worth visiting the Manors of the Island and watch the harbour from down the hill. Also, to admire the sunset from "Periptero" and "Spilia" and to visit the 6 Monasteries and the 300 churches of Hydra. Especially, you have to visit : The twin Monasteries of Saint Eupraxia and Prophet Elias, where in 1825 were imprisoned some of the heroes of Greek Revolution, amongst them and Kolokotronis. The Monastery of Saint Trinity, The Monasteryof Saint Matrona, The Monastery of Saint Nikolaos. The Monastery of Virgin Mary of Zoubra, and the Church of dormition, with the Byzantine and Ecclesiastic Museum. Also, you have to visit the Churches of Hypapante and St. John the abstinent, with the wonderful wall paintings of the 18th century,theMuseum of History, which runs daily and has got importand relics, archives and also a library. A very nice sight is the Bastions with cannons, that protected the city to the left and to the right of the harbour. Finally, you should visit the Manor of Lazaros Kountoyriotis, which it accommodates a division of the National Historic Museum, the Manor of G. Kountouriotis. The manor accommodates the Museum of Byzantic Art and History and the Auditorium "Melina Merkouri", which it displays paintings of famous artists.

ACTIVITIES IN HYDRA

Sailing. Every year there are two established sailing races at the island, and attract an increasing number of vessels and visitors to the island who come either by vessels or by other means of transport. Α.The first regatta is at the end of October near the celebration of October 28. The second regatta called "Greek Revolution - Hydra" occurs at the end of March near the celelbration of March 25. This year will take place from Friday, March 25 through Sunday, March 27th 2016. The regatta of "Greek Revolution - Hydra", opens the season for the Hydra, because this is the beginning of the summer season on our island. Both sailing competitions are following the water route "departure from Faliro to Hydra, again depart from Hydra until Faliro". Each of the two routes is a distance of 36 nautical miles.

Mountain trailing. Hydra has got amazing nature and natural trails, which are the paradise of the visitor. The uniqueness of the natural environment, the wild beauty of the mountains and the slopes with the amazing sea view give the visitor another reason to explore Hydra island. For all of us who love nature and want to test our strength, we organise each year a two-day competition in mountain trailing, with huge success, and which give us the opportunity to live here a unique experience. Hydra’s Trail Event is being organised each year in the middle of April, with up to five different trailing and races, we also have races for the kids. From the total 5 races yoi will like the "Eros mountain trail", a route of 25,6 klm and the race downhill.

Hiking in the trails. The uniqueness of Hydra lies to the combination of the cosmopolitan life with its natural environment and the rich tradition. Perfect for those keen on walking and exploring nature; given its mild climate, walking is a joy all year round. With diverse degrees of difficulty, the paths presented here should satisfy even the most discriminate adventurer. You can stroll the paths easily and at your own pace. There are 11 routes that lead to respectively paths and will satisfy each visitor. These paths are self-guided and with the proper wooden marking will guide you to many sightseeings. You will notice wild flowers, like the rare 'spentzes' or cyclamen and poppies. You can see pine, cypress and olive trees. Many birds also live here, including partridges, quails, or migrate birds. There are also many rabbits, cats, wild goats even reptiles and amphibians that have found a home in Hydra.

Guided dives. We welcome you to Hydra's Diving Center. Come and meet the wonderful world of the sea and the endless blue. Come to taste the absolute freedom inside the crystal clean waters of Hydra. To meet a rich underwater world full of colours, magical images and surprises. To meet the sea population and become one with the water element. We offer you the best diving experience in the magical waters of Hydra.

Nearby trips. Α. A visitor can get to know the mainland and the Monasteries of the island of Hydra with donkeys or by walking. There is no other transportation to the Island. Β.The round of the island, as an excursion, is being done daily, with boat, starting from 11.00 in the morning from the main port.There is plenty of time to have fast lunches or to swim to the beaches, before you reach back to the port. C. You can rent a car from Metochi, opposite from Hydra island, and visit archaeological sites of interest to the shores of Peloponnese, such as the Ancient theater of Epidavros, the palace of King Agamemnon in Mycenae, the Ancient Troizina, the Ancient tombs of Magoulas in Galata. Also you can admire the Temple of Poseidon at Poros island and if you there by a small ferry boat. D. There are held daily cruises, with flying dolphins, to the islands of Poros, Ermioni, Spetses and Porto Xeli.